51 Teams Mobilize for Warkari Health Amidst Pilgrimage

As the Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage approaches on July 25, the Zilla Parishad's health department in Chhatrapati Sambhajingar has mobilized 51 medical teams to support an estimated 12,000 warkaris. These dedicated teams will ensure the health and safety of pilgrims travelling to Pandharpur.

Forty-five medical teams will travel on foot with the main pilgrimage processions, carrying comprehensive first-aid supplies, medications, and necessary medical equipment. Specialized health teams have also been designated for the significant processions of Shri Sant Janardan Swami and Shri Sant Eknath Maharaj. "In addition to the mobile medical units, '108' and '102' ambulance services and cardiac ambulances will be stationed along the route to Pandharpur. Trained medical officers, nurses, and health workers will remain on duty 24 hours a day to manage any emergencies," stated District Health Officer Dr. Vishal Bendre.

Primary health centers and sub-centers along the pilgrimage path have been provisioned with vital life-saving medicines. To enhance safety, emergency contact number display boards have been erected at key points. The ZP administration is actively monitoring water sources, with health ambassadors inspecting and disinfecting them to guarantee safe drinking water. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will conduct routine checks on food vendors.

Preventive measures against infectious and vector-borne diseases are also in place. Malaria eradication teams are undertaking fogging and spraying operations at halting points. Concurrently, ASHA workers and health staff are actively educating pilgrims on personal hygiene, safe water practices, snakebite prevention, and basic first aid. These combined efforts aim to ensure a healthy and safe pilgrimage experience for all warkaris.